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McCarthy Announces Winners of Congressional Art Competition

May 5, 2016

Press Release

Bakersfield, CA – Today, Congressman Kevin McCarthy announced the winners of the 35th Annual “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition for high school students in our community. Winners and participants will be honored at a reception on Friday, May 6th at Metro Galleries in Bakersfield from 6:30-7:30 PM.

“Our community is filled with creative minds that showcase their artistic talent every year in the Congressional Art Competition. It is always such an exciting opportunity to honor the artists, their work, and the stories behind their work every year. Every participant should be proud their work. And as Members of Congress and visitors walk to the Capitol in DC, Ethan’s work will surely be the best one showcased.” McCarthy said.

The overall winner is Ethan Petty, 12th grade, who is a student at Bakersfield High School. Under the direction of his art teacher, Vicki Smart, Ethan created his piece, “Internal Contrast,” using acrylic paint on canvas. Ethan’s piece is attached to this release.

Ethan will be invited to attend the exhibit opening of “An Artistic Discovery” in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 23, 2016. His artwork will be displayed in the corridor leading to the U.S. Capitol for a period of one year. As the overall winner, he will also receive two round-trip tickets to the exhibit opening, as well as a cash award to be presented at the district reception.

Awards will also be presented to those students who placed First, Second, Third and received Honorable Mention in the following three categories: All Other Medium, Photography, and Computer Art. In addition, all winners will have the option of displaying their artwork in the McCarthy’s Washington office for one year.